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The Fleece Inn is without equal in England. Owned by the Byrd family since the days of Chaucer, it was bequeathed by Lola Taplin to the National Trust in 1977. The building was originally a longhouse and has remained largely undisturbed in its architecture and atmosphere since the mid 17th Century. A pub steeped in history like The Fleece, has many stories to tell. Its historical significance to the Cotswolds and the Vale of Evesham is immense, not least for its pewter collection, housed in the "Pewter room" of the pub and on open display for over 300 years. Change has passed The Fleece by for centuries. When you take your place at a table to dine from the excellent menu or to sample a fine ale, you are priviledged to be sat in much the same surroundings as those who lived in the house more than four centuries ago. You'll even benefit from the medieval protection afforded by the "Witch circles", drawn on the floor in front of each hearth. This local tradition was practiced to prevent witches from entering down the chimneys and has been preserved in accordance with the wishes of Lola Taplin. |
  
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In mentioning Lola Taplin, we refer to a remarkable lady. Lola was a direct descendant of the yeoman family Byrd, who built the place in around 1400. Lola's hospitality was legendary and when you drank in The Fleece it was as though you were being welcomed into her home. In fact this impression was entirely accurate as Lola lived at the pub for all of her 83 years and ran it alone for the last 30. Lola's identity is firmly stamped on the pub still as it is largely as she left it when she passed away. Lola is fondly remembered in the village and locals who knew her fancy that she still watches over the pub and its people. In fact, local folklore will have it that she is present in the incarnation of an owl that sits on the ridge of the thatched tithe barn across the courtyard from the pub itself. |
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